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First Minister Carwyn Jones Arrives in Montreal for Official Visit

The First Minister of Wales to Host Honorary Keynote Address at 2014 IPSA World Congress and Meet with Prominent Canadian Businesses

MONTREAL, CANADA--(Marketwired - July 22, 2014) - First Minister of Wales The Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM today arrives in Montreal, Canada for an official three-day visit until July 24. The First Minister will hold meetings with Canadian business professionals, including Appnovation, CAE, CGI and Magellan Aerospace, to discuss the benefits of trade and investment partnerships with Wales. On Wednesday, July 23, he will also give a plenary keynote address at the annual IPSA World Congress of Political Science to discuss constitutional reform in the United Kingdom as it relates to the impending Scottish independence referendum. As the leader of another devolved government on the 'Celtic Fringe' of Britain, the First Minister will share the benefits of increasing powers to the government and remaining part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.

This year's IPSA conference, centered on the theme of "Challenges of Contemporary Governance," is expected to bring together nearly 3,000 representatives from more than 80 countries. Attendees will listen to lively discussions from renowned panelists about topics that include contemporary governance, political systems, globalization and the transformation of democracy across the globe. The First Minister joins a notable roster of speakers including former U.S. presidential candidate and Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis, as well as Rod Rhodes, political science professor and distinguished speaker on the topic of governance.

"Wales and Canada have long held a rich history rooted in trade, culture and most importantly, friendship," said The First Minister. "It's an honor to be visiting with our Canadian colleagues to discuss our mutual values, and confer on matters that are important to our continued economic, political and cultural livelihood."

The visit will deepen existing business ties with Quebec and explore more potential opportunities for research partnerships and investments.

Organized jointly by the Welsh Government's team in North America and by the British Consulate-General in Montreal, the First Minister's visit will also include a meeting with the Premier of the Quebec Government Philippe Couillard. Additionally, the First Minister will host a business reception in conjunction with the British Consulate and UKTI at The Stock Exchange Tower on Wednesday, July 23. Hosted by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, the reception will join together an intimate group of distinguished guests to discuss Welsh-Canadian trade, tourism and culture.

The First Minister will also meet with Rose Goldstein, Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations) of McGill University, to discuss collaboration possibilities with the school, and will later meet with executives from several Canadian businesses to discuss business and economic development ideas.

During this event, the First Minister of Wales will update guests on arrangements for the 2014 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit, held at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, Wales. On September 4-5, the UK will be the host nation of the prestigious event, welcoming 28 member states and the 1,500 delegates of the NATO Summit to its shores. Attendees will gather to evaluate and discuss current worldwide political initiatives in an ongoing effort to achieve long-lasting economic, political and social expansion.

"The NATO summit will bring Wales unprecedented levels of international attention and an opportunity like no other to advertise the benefits of our modern and dynamic country to the world. We pride ourselves in our great business investment potential and are already home to many international companies. We are also a significant base for the aerospace and defense industries, who are providing high quality equipment and support to our armed services around the world," added The First Minister.

For more information on The First Minister or the country of Wales, please visit: www.wales.com.

About First Minister Carwyn Jones

The First Minister of Wales is the leader of the Welsh Government and is appointed by HM the Queen following nomination by Assembly Members. Carwyn Jones was appointed First Minister of Wales in 2009, following the retirement of former First Minister Rhodri Morgan and then re-elected to the office in 2011. Prior to his election, he was a barrister in chambers in Swansea specialising in Criminal, Family and Personal Injury Law and a professional tutor at Cardiff University Law School. He is a member of Amnesty International, Unison, Unite the Union and the Fabian Society. He has been a Labour Party member since 1987 and played an active role in the 'Yes for Wales' campaign.